Apple is hosting it’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this week in Cupertino, and so far the company is giving a whole lotta spotlight to iOS 26. The newest operating system for iPhone will include a nifty feature that could be especially useful for people who love to travel: live translation of text messages and even phone calls. It’s like Star Trek‘s universal translator made real. Bye-bye, language barriers!
Example of real-time translation of an audio phone call on Apple's iOS 26.
Photo via Apple
Once iOS 26 rolls out later this year, you’ll be able to use it for text messaging, phone calls, and FaceTime chats. If you’re eager to explore more destinations where English isn’t widely spoken, this technology could potentially lower a huge barrier to entry. And frankly, it’s a much more inspiring use of A.I. technology than generating creepy images of pregnant Shrek. It’s something that will absolutely make chatting with Airbnb hosts, new friends, and local guides far easier than ever before.
Apple says in a newsroom post that “Live Translation is enabled by Apple-built models that run entirely on device, so users’ personal conversations stay personal.” I’m not entirely sure how much to believe that, but fingers crossed, I guess!
Live translation in Apple's Messages app.
Photo via Apple
Apple’s iOS 26 is expected to be available this fall as a free update for devices including the iPhone 11 and newer. If you want to check out some of the new tech before the public rollout, consider joining Apple’s Beta Software Program.
